Download Definitions in Ethics, by Michael Josephson

Definitions in Ethics
By Michael Josephson
President of the Josephson Institute for Ethics
To think clearly about ethical issues and develop practical approaches for dealing with ethical
problems, it is important to speak a common language, with the vocabulary defined.
Ethics Ethics refers to standards of conduct, standards that indicate how one should behave
based on moral duties and virtues, which themselves are derived from principles of right and
wrong. As a practical matter, ethics is about how we meet the challenge of doing the right thing
when that will cost more than we want to pay.
Aspects of Ethics There are two aspects to ethics: The first involves the ability to discern
right from wrong, good from evil, and propriety from impropriety. The second involves the
commitment to do what is right, good and proper. Ethics entails action; it is not just a topic to
mull or debate. …
Values Values are core beliefs or desires that guide or motivate attitudes and actions. They also
define the things we value and prize the most, and, therefore, provide the basis for ranking the
things we want in a way that elevates some values over others. Thus, our values determine how
we will behave in certain situations.
Values vs. Ethics The terms "values" and "ethics" are not interchangeable. Ethics is
concerned with how a moral person should behave, whereas values simply concern the various
beliefs and attitudes that determine how a person actually behaves. Some values concern ethics
when they pertain to beliefs as to what is right and wrong. Most values do not.
Ethical Values Ethical values directly relate to beliefs concerning what is right and proper (as
opposed to what is correct, effective or desirable).
Nonethical Values Most of what we value is not concerned with our sense of ethics and
moral duty but rather with things we like, desire or find personally important. Wealth, status,
happiness, fulfillment, pleasure, personal freedom, being liked and being respected fall into this
category. We call them nonethical (not unethical) values, for they are ethically neutral. The
pursuit of nonethical objectives is normal and appropriate so long as ethical values are not
sacrificed in the process.
Conflicting Values Our values often conflict. For example, the desire for personal
independence may run counter to our desire for intimacy and relationships of interdependency.
Similarly, in particular situations, our commitment to be honest and truthful may clash with the
desire for wealth, status, a job or even the desire to be kind to others. When values conflict,
choices must be made by ranking our values. The values we consistently rank higher than others
are our core values, which define character and personality. …
© 2001, The Josephson Institute